With authentic details inspired by the original, the Hofner Ignition Series Vintage Bass makes the legendary violin bass available to the rest of us. Don't get the idea that this a just a "nowhere man" look-alike. This quality instrument features a real spruce top and beautiful flamed maple back and sides. The semi-hollow body and set neck will give you the warm, round tone you expect from the violin bass.

Overall, this is a good little bass that is affordable, playable, and looks great! I own and play several Höfner intruments (mostly basses), and I also play in an acoustic...Read complete review

Overall, this is a good little bass that is affordable, playable, and looks great! I own and play several Höfner intruments (mostly basses), and I also play in an acoustic Beatles band. You obviously can't compare the Ignition / Icon series instrument with it's high-end German-made cousin...but there's no need to be a snob about it...this wonderful instrument just might fit your needs without breaking the bank. You can essentially get the famed "Paul McCartney" Höfner bass at three price points: The most affordable would be this, the Ignition, which is constructed in Asia using Asian labor and parts and electronics (pickups, pots, jack). The next step up is the "Contemporary" series, which is more expensive, made in Asia using German-made electronics in a factory in China...owned and run directly by Höfner. You will notice right away that this series has the better pickups of the German-made bass...a big improvement over the Ignition's pickups. The high end is the expensive German-made violin bass...a true work of art!I own all three levels of Höfner instruments, and each has it's purpose. I saved to purchase my German-made Höffy, but due to it's price tag, I don't care to take it to bar gigs outdoor shows where it might be exposed to the elements or get nicked. My main bass is the Contemporary (the 500/7 Verythin bass actually)...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this instrument! With a set of better strings (I prefer flats) and a good setup by a luthier...this thing is playable and drop-dead gorgeous. I use my Ignition as my main practice bass and I take it to the occasional gig. Again, put better strings on it, and have it setup properly by a good luthier. Sometimes this series has issues with the electronics, so you might consider upgrading the pots and jack at some point. Over time, the white "pearloid" film on the plastic pickguard might come off...in which case, just remove the pickguard. If you're a huge Beatles fan, there are plenty of mods some owners do to make this bass look more like it's more expensive cousin...just check out Youtube and the web.I really like this bass...right out of the box it was more than I expected, and came with a case! I had my luthier do some work on the frets, set the action to my preference, and put some nice flatwound strings on (TI Jazz flats my personal choice), and I took the white text off of the truss rod cover (I did so also w/ my Contemporary bass and guitar...takes away from the beauty of the headstock IMHO). If I have any issues with the electronics going forward, I'll upgrade them.A great bass for the beginner, bass player on a budget, and Beatles fans!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

Not better than the Rogue

I have played the Rogue model that is most similar to this - and to echo another reviewer's comments about the 'cheap' feel - yeah, this one felt (but did not look)...Read complete review

I have played the Rogue model that is most similar to this - and to echo another reviewer's comments about the 'cheap' feel - yeah, this one felt (but did not look) cheaper than the Rogue.

My main problem with it (of course the strings are crappy, but you expect that) is that the nut is impossibly high. You don't slap a violin bass, so this setup was intolerable for me. As it came from the factory, the intonation was poor at the 12th fret, even when tuned precisely. And don't even bother playing on the first two frets - the high action means you will be sharping your pitch noticably. My Korg pitchblack tuner confirmed this, though it didn't have a 'cents' measurement to say exactly how far off. But noticably to even my drummers ear.

I decided not to pay to replace the nut, but to send the instrument back. I expect to replace strings even on a higher end instrument. But not the nut. If I had to compliment this, I'd say the finish (black) and the electronics, including pickups, were nice - nicer than the Rogue, but what does that matter if it wont play on pitch ???

Stick with the Rogue. And of course, flatwounds sound lovely on this type of bass - you will be so happy if you do !

I've wanted a Viola bass for a long time and when I saw MF had one on sale I jumped on it. It came in a few day's and I really dig it. The only thing I want to do is lower the action a little. It look's great and is way lighter than I imagined. It's acoustically very loud which is cool for me cause if I plug it in then my neighbor's head's will explode....

Hi. I bought this bass a week ago. Wanted it since Paul Mccartney used it. Found it new tried it bought it. It's a very addictive guitar. Hard to put down. The neck action is great. The tone is rich warm and full. Very happy with my purchase.

I bought this when I decided to re-learn the bass (I started learning bass back in 2001/2002 before switching to guitar 6 months later). With some money given to me as a present I went into the local Guitar Center and tested this out. I was stunned by its light weight feel and good old fashioned Beatles vibe.

I was concerned/wary as I bought a cheap Rogue Violin Bass (VB100?) way back when and I hated it! But this little bass kicks butt and nails the old Beatles/Sir Paul McCartney tone! As it stands this is in my bedroom and will be a staple of my sound/gear forever! I would HIGHLY recommend this for Beatles/Sir Paul fans who want the Violin/Beatle Bass sound and look but don't have the extra $2000-$3000 to spend for a Vintage Reissue model!

My only complaint is that it does come with a case. I had to shell out extra money for a case from a local music store.

I haven't been playing bass for all that long, but I've tried a number of different basses; I've played Fender Precision and Jazz bases, as well as SG Basses and Ibanez. This one tops them all. I love the design first of all (the Beatles rule!), and I also love the fact that it's hollow-bodied, making it extremely light and playable without an amp. Playing with an amp, I found that using only the neck pickup allows the bass to sound 100% identical to Macca's sound for The Beatles. An astonishing bass WELL worth the money.

A magnificent bass that came set up and tuned, straight out the BOX. Action is low and easy, neck is thin and comfortable to play. Extremely light weight for long sessions. This is a great bass with outstanding tone and feel.

Heck of a bass for a sweet price. I wanted a Pauline bass for years, but couldn't get up the green gumption to buy one. Well this one came along for a good price, so I did it.

It's so much lighter than my Jazz copy. I understand the comments about feeling like a toy, but it doesn't sound like a toy.

I put flats on it like so many others, and it is a joy to play. The mellow, woody, resonant sound is great, especially for 60's and 70's music. The first time I used it at practice, two others in the band glanced over and said how much better it sounded than my now retired bass. Also, after about 40 minutes the weight difference was really a plus.

I had always wanted a Beatle bass, but could not justify the cost of a 500/1 or even a Contemporary series since bass is not my main instrument. (experienced guitarist/novice bassist)

I purchased a Level 2 Ignition bass. I was expecting some light scratches/swirls, but could not find anything wrong with this bass other than 2 very tiny imperfections in the chrome plating on the bridge. Other than replacing the factory round wound strings with a new set of flat wound strings, and a minor setup, this bass was great.

Mine came with a case, but it is very cheesy and doesn't carry a Hofner logo anyway. I recommend ordering the "bass only" option, and either of the Musicians Gear violin bass cases.